Dynamic Reference Signal Configuration for Radio Overhead Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radio communication systems face inefficiencies due to fixed Resource Element (RE) densities, which lead to excessive overhead and poor channel estimation, as they are designed to support the most challenging scenarios, wasting resources for better conditions and failing to adapt dynamically to varying channel conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method and device configuration that dynamically determine Reference Signal (RS) configurations based on estimated channel characteristics and specific device parameters, allowing for user-specific and adaptive RS patterns to enhance channel and interference estimation, minimizing overhead by tailoring configurations to the radio environment of each communication device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fixed Resource Element (RE) density is used to support the most challenging scenarios, then reliability is improved, but resource overhead increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel estimation reliabilityVSAvoidresource overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed RE density to dynamic RE density that adapts to current radio channel conditions. The system determines channel characteristics (Doppler frequency, SNR, time dispersion) and adjusts RE density accordingly, making the reference signal configuration movable and adjustable rather than static, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and resource overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of RE density based on estimated channel characteristics. By modifying the density parameter dynamically according to measured channel conditions (Doppler frequency, SNR, time dispersion), the system achieves both reliable channel estimation when needed and reduced overhead when conditions permit, directly addressing the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If fixed Resource Element (RE) density is used to support the most challenging scenarios, then reliability is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel estimation reliabilityVSAvoiddata transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts RE density based on real-time channel characteristics, enabling the network to maintain reliable channel estimation when conditions require it while maximizing data transmission efficiency when conditions are favorable. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between reliability and productivity by making the system flexible rather than rigid.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By changing the RE density parameter according to estimated channel characteristics (Doppler frequency, SNR, time dispersion), the system optimizes the balance between channel estimation reliability and data transmission productivity, achieving both goals under different operating conditions rather than compromising one for the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If average or good-enough RE density is used, then resource overhead is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource overheadVSAvoidchannel estimation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes RE density parameter dynamically based on measured channel characteristics rather than using a fixed average value. This allows the system to maintain high measurement precision when channel conditions require accurate estimation while reducing resource overhead when conditions are more favorable, directly resolving the contradiction between overhead and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2976908B1Reference signal configuration
Publication Date: 2019.06.05 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP2976908B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2976908B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2976908B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A first and a second communication device and a respective method performed by the first and the second communication device for communicating via radio between the first and the second communication device are provided. The method in the first communication device comprises receiving (110) a first transmission from the second communication device. The method further comprises determining (120) a Reference Signal (RS) configuration based on the received transmissions; and transmitting (130) the RS configuration to the second communication device, the determined RS configuration enabling communication between the first and the second communication device.